San Bartolomé Beaches

Overview

San Bartolomé offers a charming coastal experience for visitors to Lanzarote, particularly appealing to those seeking a relaxed, local atmosphere. Its main seaside area provides a welcoming environment, especially for families, with pleasant golden sand beaches. This central municipality serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the diverse array of beaches the island has to offer.

San Bartolomé's prime local beach, and an editor's pick itself, is Playa Honda. This spacious town beach is cherished by residents for its calm waters, golden sand, and family-friendly vibe. While Playa Honda offers a fantastic day by the sea, San Bartolomé's location also allows for easy exploration of Lanzarote's other famed shores. Among our editor's highlights are the stunning coves of Playa De Papagayo, renowned for iconic beauty, the surf hotspot of Famara, and the unique volcanic landscape of Playa del Janubio.

Beyond these well-known spots, the coastline around San Bartolomé and across Lanzarote holds many more treasures. You might discover quieter spots like the local gem Playa de la Concha near Playa Honda, offering a more secluded feel. For a comprehensive look at all the sandy stretches awaiting you, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches in this guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Playa Honda good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Playa Honda is considered ideal for families. The main beach, Playa Honda, is large with golden sand and generally calm waters due to its sandy seabed, making it a safe place for children to swim and play. It also has facilities like showers and nearby restaurants. The promenade is great for walking and cycling.

Can you swim at Playa Honda and what's the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Playa Honda. The water is usually calm with a sandy seabed, making it ideal for swimming. The water temperature is suitable for swimming from May to January, generally not dropping below 20°C during these months. The average water temperature in summer is around 21.6°C and in autumn around 22.5°C.

How windy is Playa Honda?

Playa Honda is often windy, with a constant breeze throughout the year. While the breeze is usually moderate and not overly strong, it can be an annoyance for sunbathers but is ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

What's the best time of year to visit the beaches in Playa Honda?

Playa Honda can be visited year-round due to its warm weather. Summer months (June to September) are the busiest with the warmest temperatures, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) is quieter with cooler temperatures but still pleasant.

What kind of accommodation is available near Playa Honda beaches?

Playa Honda is primarily a residential area, so accommodation options often include apartments and holiday homes (villas) for rent, some with private pools. While there aren't as many large hotels directly on Playa Honda's beachfront compared to major tourist resorts, there are some hotels and aparthotels in Playa Honda itself and in nearby areas like Arrecife or Matagorda. Many visitors stay in self-catering apartments or villas.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at Playa Honda?

While the main beaches in the larger resorts like Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca typically have sunbeds and umbrellas, information specifically for Playa Honda beaches is less explicit about rentals. Playa Honda is described more as a local's beach with a long promenade and natural sand. It's advisable to be prepared to bring your own, though some areas may have them.

Playa Blanca

Is Playa Honda very crowded?

Playa Honda beach can be busy, especially as it's near Arrecife's accommodation sector and popular with residents. However, because the main beach is quite large (almost two kilometers long), it generally doesn't feel overly crowded. Some of the smaller beaches or sections like Playa de Guasimeta near the airport runway are often very quiet.

Playa de Guasimeta

What are the local beach quirks or things to know about Playa Honda beaches?

A unique aspect of Playa Honda's beaches is their proximity to the airport; from Playa de Guasimeta, you can watch planes taking off and landing. The promenade connecting Playa Honda to Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen is very popular for walking and cycling. Also, the restaurants and bars along the promenade in Playa Honda are often frequented by locals, which can mean good quality and prices.

Playa de Guasimeta

People Also Ask

How do you get to Playa Honda beaches and is there parking?

Playa Honda is accessible by car and public transport (bus lines 03, 21, 32, and 60 stop near the promenade). You can also walk or cycle along the promenade from Arrecife or Puerto del Carmen. Parking is available in the town of Playa Honda and in residential areas, though it can sometimes be challenging to find a spot as it's a residential area. A large beach car park that previously existed has been closed.

Are there any hidden gem beaches near Playa Honda or alternatives to the main beach?

Playa de la Concha, on the eastern edge of Playa Honda, is considered one of Lanzarote's hidden jewels that tourists rarely discover. It's a smaller, sheltered cove. Playa de Guasimeta, near the airport runway, is also a quieter option if you want a beach almost to yourself. Playa del Cable is another nearby beach, mainly used by residents and known for being sheltered.

Playa de La Concha

Playa de Guasimeta

Playa del Cable

What's the sand like at Playa Honda?

Playa Honda features golden sand. The main beach is a long, continuous stretch of golden sand, though some parts are broken up by rocky sections.

Are there restaurants and facilities like showers at Playa Honda beaches?

Yes, Playa Honda beaches, particularly the main Playa Honda, have good facilities. There are showers available on the beach. The seafront promenade has many restaurants, bars, and cafes with sea views, offering a variety of food and drink options. You'll also find rubbish bins and public transport connections nearby.

Is Playa Honda a good destination for a quiet, relaxing beach holiday or more for an active/party holiday?

Playa Honda is generally known for a more relaxed, local atmosphere rather than a party scene. It's a residential town popular with locals and offers a peaceful environment, especially compared to busier resorts like Puerto del Carmen. While there are bars open late, it's not a clubbing destination. The calm waters are good for swimming, and the windy conditions suit sports like windsurfing. So, it leans more towards a relaxing or family-oriented holiday, with options for some water sports.

How does Playa Honda compare to Puerto del Carmen for beaches and atmosphere?

Playa Honda offers a quieter, more local atmosphere with long, less crowded golden sand beaches. It's more residential. Puerto del Carmen is a larger, busier resort with a livelier, more tourist-focused vibe, especially along its main strip and beaches like Playa Grande, which have more tourist amenities and nightlife. If you prefer a bustling atmosphere and more tourist facilities, Puerto del Carmen might be more suitable. For a more tranquil experience with a local feel, Playa Honda is a good choice. However, they are close, and you can easily travel between them by bus or taxi.

Playa Grande

Are there any specific rules for Playa Honda beaches, like about dogs or BBQs?

Pets are generally not allowed on most beaches in Lanzarote, including Playa Honda. It's always best to check local signage for specific beach regulations regarding activities like BBQs. General advice includes not leaving waste, not disturbing wildlife, and not using soaps in beach showers.